KR20060013661A - Mobile communications device and method for condition-dependent resuming of a delayed data transfer over a different network - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable communications device (2) and method is disclosed wherein data can be transferred between the portable communications device (2) and another portable communications device (4) through a first network (12) using a first network address. It is determined whether a condition related to the operation of the portable communications device (2) is above a minimum requirement, e.g. battery charge. Information is collected that is required for resuming the data transfer through an second network (14) using a second network address different from the first network address. The data transfer is allowed through the first network (12) if the condition is satisfied and delayed if the condition is not satisfied. If it is delayed the data transfer may be resumed later through the second network (14), e.g. via a synchronization interface and a host computer.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONDITION-DEPENDENT RESUMING OF A DELAYED DATA TRANSFER OVER A DIFFERENT NETWORK}

The present invention relates to portable communication devices and methods for operating the same, as well as to a network comprising such portable communication devices and to a suitable portable device as well as to a computer program product for performing this method with a host device synchronizing with the portable device. This portable device may be a portable multimedia device.

Portable multimedia devices such as MP3 players, PDAs, super phones, smart phones, pocket PCs and the like are becoming increasingly popular. Super or smart phone combines performance with your mobile phone to access the internet using appropriate protocols such as WAP or HDML. PDAs were originally a daily planner, but some models have been extended to allow downloading of data from the Internet. Some PDA models have extended their use to include wireless access to other networks. This radio may be either radio or optical access, ie, a radio radio communication method such as Bluetooth ^™ or provision of an infrared optical radio communication port.

PDAs and other portable devices are connected to a "cradle" or "docking station" to synchronize local content with the home station. The details of such cradles differ among manufacturers. In some cases, this may be, for example, simply cabled to a COM communication port or USB port of a personal computer or an infrared wireless connection to a similar port. In other systems, the cradle is a physical device having connectors for various functions, for example battery charging as well as bidirectional communication ports. Even larger keyboards may be provided for data entries as described in US2003 / 0006968. The cradle may be integrated with a host computer as described in US2003 / 0041206. Therefore, the cradle may be described as an electro-optical (or other wireless communication, eg radio wave) or electromagnetic interface device between a host computer and a portable multimedia device. The home station may be a portable computer, but will be very similar to a home server in the future. Some PDA models can be connected to networks, eg, Ethernet local area networks (LANs) and can access their host computer through an Internet address using an appropriate LAN protocol such as TCP / IP.

The synchronization itself may take various forms. One or more of the following functions may be provided.

a) opening and closing databases on a portable communication device or host,

b) upload or download data, or a combination of both, as appropriate;

c) comparing records on the portable device and the host,

d) add, delete or modify databases as appropriate on a portable device or host,

e) converting one format of data on a portable device or host into data suitable for use on the host or portable device,

f) Synchronize the clock on the host with the clock on the portable device

g) "Transaction Processing"-Transfer of data between the portable device and the host and processing this data in one of them. Typically, this involves sending data from the portable device to the host for processing at the host. One example is an order entry from a portable device to a host and also processing of orders on the host, for example, order request communication for production management (for production planning) and accounts (for billing). .

Data synchronization between two computer systems, for example, between a laptop and a desktop computer, is not new. The latest version of the Windows ^TM operating system provided by Microsoft, such as Windows 2000 ^TM supports this feature by default. Synchronization includes an algorithm that determines when a download from a host is selected, for example, a record with a certain number of logical decisions, for example, a datestamp on the host, to replace the new record on the portable device. For example, a newer record on the portable device may be a deleted record. These decisions are further complicated when the portable device is synchronized with different hosts at different time zones, because this allows a lot of possibilities for the recording status.

Methods have also been devised for retrieving Internet-based data, ie data that is linked to other data. For example, if only the home page is downloaded, it generally does not provide very much useful information. AvantGo and Microsoft's mobile channels are two known synchronization schemes, which allows for the proper selection of data (e.g. link down to a certain depth) that allows a PDA to access the PC's Internet access, e.g. 56K telephone modem, cable TV. Or when located in its cradle via an ADSL modem. By controlling the link depth, optimization can be made between downloading useful data that can browse and overload the limited memory capabilities of the portable device.

Data can also be transferred directly between portable devices without intervention of the host. Such communication may be performed by any suitable communication method, for example, by an optical radio such as a wireless radio or infrared as defined by the Bluetooth ^™ protocol.

All these types of portable devices require more storage capacity and thus become portable storage devices. There are several options for mounting such storage devices on portable devices. Until now, nonvolatile memories such as Sony's Memory Stick ^™ have been the main storage devices. However, disk based storage devices with an acceptable form-factor for portable multimedia devices may also be used. One example is IBM MicroDrive ^™ . Until now, non-volatile memories have been a bottleneck, and these disk-based devices have become popular because they provide users with large storage capacities and high transfer rates.

Until now, the major drawback of disk based storage devices is power consumption. Optimization of power consumption has been done for small form-factor hard disks, but they are still one of the major power consumers. Transmitters are another one of the major power consumers. Power consumption is a major problem when users want to transfer large amounts of data to / from their portable device and to / from another device, such as another portable device. In particular, large amounts of data, typically with, for example, video files, can significantly reduce the battery life of a portable device.

Wireless portable communication devices can be connected to other computers by various wireless networks, for example GPRS service related to GSM mobile phone network, UMTS service currently introduced in Europe or by a suitable wireless communication channel such as wireless LAN, or infrared link. Can be. Short-range wireless networks are known that include piconets such as, for example, "Bluetooth" controlled by the Bluetooth standard. Full specifications for Bluetooth communication are available through the Bluetooth Special Interests Group (SIG), whose Web sites are available at "www. Bluetooth.com" along with current standards and related information.

The amount of setup and signaling required to perform optical or radio wireless communications varies depending on the network type. Networks such as GSM, UMTS, and wireless LAN require significant coordination, for example provisions of directory number or IP or network address for each element of the network. In addition, the device must be registered in the included network, and communication is organized through individual base stations serving power terminals. Such networks may be described as "infrastructure" networks. Such networks have permanent base stations and remote terminals or permanent master and slave devices. On the other hand, point-to-point infrared wireless communication can be established between devices without significant coordination with other devices. Such communication may be described as "ad-hoc" communication. Since two communication devices form a minimal network, such a network may be referred to as an "ad-hoc network". The Bluetooth piconet requires some setup, but it is still considered an ad-hoc network because each communication device assumes either a master or subordinate role, and this assignment is not individualized, ie permanent. The Bluetooth piconet may include one master, up to seven subordinate units and up to 255 additional devices in “standby mode”. Several piconets can all be coupled to a scatternet. In scatternet, there are a maximum of 79 piconets, where 79 is the number of hopping frequencies that can be allocated. Both scatternets and piconets are ad-hoc networks.

It is an object of the present invention to provide portable multimedia devices which are not severely affected by the battery limitations of portable communication devices, for example conventional devices.

The present invention is:

Means for transferring data using the first network address between the portable communication device and another device over the first network;

Means for determining whether a condition relating to the operation of the portable communication device exceeds a minimum requirement;

Means for collecting information necessary for resuming data transmission over a second network, using a second network address different from said first network address; And,

Means for allowing data transfer over the first network if the condition is met and for delaying the data transfer over the first network if the condition is not met. The portable communication device further comprises means for resuming the data transmission via the second network. For example, it further includes means for instructing a host computer to resume the data transfer over the second network. A synchronization interface may be provided to which one or both of a portable communication device and a host computer may be coupled. The means for instructing a host computer may comprise a synchronization interface.

The portable communication device may have a battery and may be powered by a battery, which condition may be the state of charge of the battery before communication is performed through the first network. Alternatively, this condition may assume battery charge state assuming that communication over the first network has been completed. This condition may be the quality of the signal received from the other device.

The information to be collected may include a second network address, which is the network address of the host computer associated with the other device.

The portable communication device can also be a computing device. In particular, it may be a programmable computing device that may be programmed to execute programs suitable for enterprise applications. The first network may be an ad-hoc network and the second network may be an infrastructure network. The host computer may have means for initiating a network connection to another device via the second network.

The present invention provides a method of operating a portable communication device, the method comprising:

Determining whether data is transmitted over the first network between the portable communication device and another device using a first network address;

Determining whether a condition associated with operation of the portable communication device exceeds a minimum requirement;

-Collecting the information needed to resume the data transmission over the second network using a second network address different from the first network address; And,

Allowing data transmission over the first network if the condition is met, and delaying the data transmission over the first network if the condition is not met. The invention need not be limited to the order of these steps. For example, a determination as to whether the condition is met can be made at any time at regular intervals, for example, not after determining whether a message has been sent.

The invention also relates to a portable device, when implemented on a portable communication device.

Determine whether data is transferred over the first network between the portable communication device and another device using a first network address;

Determine whether a condition relating to the operation of said portable communication devices exceeds a minimum requirement;

-Collecting, by using a second network address, the information needed to resume the data transmission over the second network;

A computer program product comprising code for allowing data transfer over the first network if the condition is met and for delaying the data transfer over the first network if the condition is not met. It also includes. The computer program product may be stored on any suitable signal storage means, which is a computer / machine readable storage medium.

In one aspect of the present invention, to solve the above problem with known devices, it is proposed that power consumption data transmission is queued until portable devices are connected to a cradle (also known as a docking station). The cradle is connected to a mains power source, a powerful battery, for example a vehicle battery, or a power source such as a solar panel, so that portable devices do not need their own batteries. Any suitable connection, for example an Internet connection, generally provided by a personal computer or provided by a home server in the future, can be used to make power consumption data transfers.

An advantage of the present invention is that two portable communication devices can be used to delay and resume data transmission when loosening radio waves. In this case, data transmission can be resumed, for example, if one or both of the portable communication devices are returned from their home network.

The invention will now be described with reference to the following figures.

1 shows schematically a communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 schematically illustrates a portable communication device according to an embodiment of the invention.

3 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments and figures, the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be enlarged rather than shown in their original size for illustrative purposes. The term "comprising" is used herein and in the claims, which do not exclude other elements or steps.

Moreover, any terms such as first, second, third, etc. in the present specification and claims need not be described sequentially or chronologically and are used to distinguish between similar elements. It is to be understood that the terminology used as such may be interchanged under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments described herein may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

In addition, any terms such as top, bottom, above, below, etc. of the present specification and claims are used for description and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terminology used as such may be compatible under appropriate circumstances and that embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in directions other than those described or illustrated herein.

1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the invention with first and second networks as well as portable communication devices 2, 4. An example of a combination of methods and apparatuses according to the invention and access technologies that can be used for communications or communication devices 2, 4 is described in the European project "multiport". Promotional products are manufactured for PDAs with LAN, GSM and UMTS capabilities for use in hospitals. The different access technologies allowed access the LAN remotely via mobile phone networks when roaming outside the hospital as well as in the hospital. The first and second networks may be ad-hoc and infrastructure networks, respectively. These devices 2 and 4 may be battery operated and any portable communication devices such as a pocket PC, PDA, smart phone, palm pilot, or dedicated laptop or the like. Devices 2 and 4 use a first network address and the first communication path 5, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared, Firewire, USB, Wireless LAN, etc. KX is an ad-hoc that supports the ad-hoc protocol. Communication can be made via the communication path 5. For brevity, ad-hoc communication between two devices such as Bluetooth forms a "network" in accordance with the present invention. For example, this connection may be through the air interface 12 by an ad-hoc optical wireless communication method such as a visible (LOS) infrared connection. Infrared communication can be done, for example, in accordance with standards relating to infrared data. Instead of Bluetooth, other radio communication standards may be used, for example "HomeRF" may also be used. Access technology can also be connected to a wireless LAN, for example in accordance with IEEE 802.11b. Alternatively, ad-hoc connection may be made by a cable connection, eg, a serial or twisted pair of cables. The devices 2, 4 are provided with the necessary input / output devices, for example antennas and / or infrared transmitters and receivers to provide such ad-hoc communications. These input / output devices may be integrated with or attached to or inserted into the portable communication devices 2, 4. For example, a Bluetooth attachment that can fit into a mobile phone or other portable device is an Acer Blue-contact that adds functionality to a Handspring Visor PDA, an IBM Bluetooth wireless card, a 3COM Bluetooth PC card or a TDK Bluetooth card for insertion into a PCMCIA slot. It may be a module.

Personal computers are provided having host devices 16 and 18, for example a display 19 and a keyboard 17 as well as associated synchronization interfaces 6 and 8, respectively. The synchronization interfaces 6, 8 may be docking interfaces, such as cradles or docking stations, or may be cabled to a suitable port of the host, for example a USB or serial or parallel COM port of a personal computer. Or an optical radio or a radio radio connection. The synchronization interface 6, 8 may be a radio, electro-optical or electromechanical interface suitable for the synchronization of at least one of the portable communication devices 2, 4. For example, the interface may be Bluetooth, infrared, Firewire, USB, wireless LAN, or the like, or may support cable connection.

The host devices 16, 18 may also be connected to a shared resource network 14, such as a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), for example the Internet, through appropriate modems 10, 20, respectively. have. Such a modem may be a cable modem for broadband access to a 56K telephone modem, an ADSL modem, the Internet, or the like. Such a network allows the host devices 16, 18 to communicate via standard TCP / IP protocols, for example. All services available by the Internet may be provided, such as voice over IP (VoIP), email, voice mail, transfer of multimedia files, browsing, FTP, and the like. Alternatively, host devices 16, 18 may be connected to a shared resource network 14 that does not require modems 10, 20.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, data transmissions between the portable communication devices 2, 4 made using the first address, for example, data transmissions intended as ad-hoc transmissions, are specific conditions of the portable device. If this is not met, for example, there may be a delay if the condition regarding the state of charge of the battery charge is not met immediately after the intended transfer. Suppose two users with both portable communication devices 2 and 4 want to share some video content. Assuming the portable communication devices 2, 4 have a memory, for example a hard disk, the data transfer can be hundreds of megabytes possible. This requires a lot of power for some type of communication connection between a hard disk as well as two devices using a first network (e.g., Bluetooth, infrared, Firewire, wireless LAN, etc.). One or perhaps even two users may not have enough battery power left to complete a full transfer, and even if they do, users will have insufficient battery power after communication until their next recharge. There may be.

Instead of completing the data transfer, the information needed to delay the data transfer is collected at the point when power consumption becomes less of an issue. For example, a later time when power consumption becomes less of a problem may be when the portable communication device 2, 4 is connected to a synchronization interface, such as the cradles 6, 8, and may be permanent or It may be when connected to a powerful battery of a vehicle that is recharged by running a solar panel or engine that provides large power or data energy. Another alternative criterion may be taken into account when making a transmission delay determination, for example, in making a determination whether the portable communication device 2 and the portable communication device 4 are within wireless communication range of each other. . The information needed to delay the data transfer can be collected, for example, at the beginning of the data transfer during or during the delay of the data transfer.

The collected information may include any file name, file location, source and sink information such as, for example, one or more network addresses. The source information may include, for example, the portable device of the sending user or the host name or IP address of the host device. The IP address or host name can be used to find a user on the Internet. The sink information may include, for example, the IP address or host name of the receiving device's portable device or host device. The collected information may be stored in the transmission queue. The transmission queue may include a number of data transmission requests. This information may also include authentication information such as username and / or password.

Cradles 6 and 8 are typically used for synchronization purposes. This means that after synchronization the specific content on the host device 16, 18 is also on the portable devices 2, 4 or vice versa. New content on either the portable communication devices 2, 4 or the host device 16, 18 may be transmitted when the portable communication devices 2, 4 are connected to the cradles 6, 8. .

The transmission queue may be sent to the host device 16, 18 whenever the portable communication device is connected to the cradles 6, 8. In another embodiment, one or two of the portable communication devices 2, 4 can connect directly to the second network, and no host device is used or only one host device is used. Once in cradle 6, 8 there are several options for handling the transmission queue.

-Option 1-"Send immediately on docking": In this option, portable communication devices 2, 4 connect to the Internet when connected to their own synchronization interface, for example cradles 8, 6 And other portable communication devices 2 and 4 that have their own software application to initiate an internet connection. The transmission queue contains enough information to establish an Internet connection to send and receive data of interest. Not only are partial data transmissions supported, but the ability to resume when the Internet connection is destroyed due to a connection failure or when the portable communication device is removed from the synchronization interface can be supported.

-Option 2-"Indirect Delayed Transmission": In this option, the host device 16, 18 has a software application capable of performing data transfer after the portable communication device 2, 4 supports the transmission queue. . The host devices 16 and 18 of the two users can then transfer the data of interest over the internet connection even when the portable communication devices are not connected to each synchronization interface, eg a cradle. When the portable communication device is then connected to the cradle, it can check whether new data is available as requested through the transmission queue. If so, it may use synchronization to retrieve the data.

Option (3) -Hybrid Solution: In this option, a combination of Option (1) and Option (2) is provided. Partial data transfers between all included systems can be usefully supported.

2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable communication device 2 that can be operated to execute a computer program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The portable communication device 2 may be any of various types of portable communication devices. Examples of portable communication devices include personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile terminals, portable computers, wearable devices (eg, wristwatch computers), "smart" cellular phones, game consoles. Satellite positioning system (GPS) units, electronic textbook devices, pocket PCs, and the like. These devices may be configured to receive multimedia data and to appropriately display them such as text, e-mail, video, still images, and the like. As new classes of portable communication devices are rapidly emerging, they are not limited to the list mentioned above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the portable communication device 2 may include a processor 2. Processor 22 may be any of a variety of types, including Pentium-class processors, PowerPC processors, as well as other processors supplied by Intel Corporation. Processor 22 may have various clock speeds, including desktop computer-class processors as well as clock speeds similar to those found at lower speeds such as 16 MHz.

The portable communication device 2 may also include a memory 30 coupled to the processor 22 by the bus system 38. Memory 30 may include any of a variety of types of memory, including DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, flash memory, etc. or non-volatile memory, such as magnetic media, such as hard drives or optical storage, or various combinations thereof. Can be. Memory 30 may also include other types of memory or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the memory 30 may have a small storage capacity.

The portable communication device 2 also includes an adhoc communication unit 24 which receives data from another portable computing device via a communication path wirelessly, for example infrared or radio waves. The adhoc communication unit 24 may be operable to communicate with an external device using any of a variety of wireless protocols such that it may include the necessary hardware such as, for example, an antenna or an infrared source and a receiver. The portable communication device 2 also comprises means 28 for communicating with a host computer via a synchronization interface, for example a docking interface. These means may be means for performing serial communication. This means 28 may use the unit 24 for synchronization with a host computer.

The portable communication device 2 may include a display 26. This display 26 can be any of a variety of types, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display). The display 26 for a typical portable communication device 2 may be small compared to the display of a desktop computer system, ie it has a limited resolution in terms of the number of pixels. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be displayed on the display 26. The processor 22 executing code and data from part of the memory 3 may provide a means for generating and displaying a GUI.

The portable communication device 2 may also be provided with an input means 32. The input means 32 can be any of a variety of types suitable for the particular portable communication device 2. For example, the input means may include one or more of a keypad, a trackball, a touch screen, a touch pen, a microphone, a modem, an infrared receiver, and the like. The input means can be linked to a display, for example a touch screen. The input means 32 can be adapted to user input, for example by means of a stylus and a touch screen.

The devices are all linked with a suitable bus system 38. The portable communication device 2 may also have a rechargeable battery with one or more batteries 34, for example a battery charging connection 40, and may also have an optional solar panel 36 that provides auxiliary power. . The means 28 and battery charging connection 40 for communicating with the host computer via the synchronization interface are positioned or docked, for example, in a docking station or cradle when the portable communication device 2 is positioned to communicate via the synchronization interface. It is automatically connected when connected to a cable

The memory 30 may store a computer program. The program according to the invention when executed on a portable communication device (2). For example, any of the options (1) to (3) of the present invention described above is performed.

A method 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a flow chart in FIG. 3. When performing this method, the device 2 may be configured to perform a first communication using a first network address, for example adhoc communication, via a first network, for example via adhoc communication unit 24 (520). In step 53, at least one condition associated with the operation of the portable communication device, in particular with respect to the state of charge of the battery, for example the state of charge of the battery or the signal quality of signals received from the second portable communication device, If the relevant condition meets the minimum requirement, the result of step 53 is YES and communication proceeds normally (step 54.) If the related condition does not meet the minimum requirement, the result of step 53 is determined. No and the program is adapted to collect the information necessary for later transmission in step 55.

This collected information is part of the transmission queue and is stored in memory in step 56. In another embodiment, it may be step 55 or alternatively may be performed before step 53. Those skilled in the art will recognize from above in any way whether there is a condition that determines whether to continue the normal condition. In addition, sometimes this condition is checked once or several times, for example at regular intervals. This condition check can be done just before communication. In addition, even after a determination is made that the condition is not met, a test can be made as to whether this condition has changed (whether it is battery charged). This optional check is schematically illustrated as a feedback loop from step 54 to step 53. Any test result may be stored in a suitable memory location and then accessed, for example, just before communication is made.

In step 57, it is determined whether the portable device communicates with a host computer via a synchronization interface. If no in step 57, continue waiting in step 58. If yes in step 57, the transmission queue is sent to the host computer during the synchronization event in step 59. As part of the synchronization and according to one of the three embodiments described above, the portable communications or computing device 2 directly accesses a network such as a LAN or the Internet via a host device and uses a second network address. The delayed communication may be resumed or the host device may execute the result of the transmission queue or a hybrid thereof (eg, by using a second network address). As long as this condition does not change in the mean time, for example, unless new batteries are placed in the portable communications or computing device 2, this communication is carried out through means of communicating with the host computer via the synchronization interface. Delay. Alternatively, this communication may be delayed until the portable communication device is directly connected to the second network, eg, when the portable device is directly connected to an Ethernet hub or switch. As part of the synchronization, one of the following functions may be performed:

a) opening and closing databases on a portable communication device or host,

b) upload or download data, or a combination of both, as appropriate;

c) comparing records on the portable device and the host,

d) add, delete or modify databases as appropriate on a portable device or host,

e) converting one format of data on a portable device or host into data suitable for use on the host or portable device,

f) Synchronize the clock on the host with the clock on the portable device

g) "Transaction Processing"-Transfer of data between the portable device and the host and processing this data in one of them. Typically, this involves sending data from the portable device to the host for processing at the host.

The present invention provides a computer program product in software form for use in a portable communication device as described above comprising code for the execution of method steps when the software is executed on the portable device.

The software may, when executed, code that may initiate the transfer of data between the portable communication device and another device over the first network using the first network address, such as, for example, ad-hoc communication with another device. It includes. This may also include code that, when executed, detects whether communication, such as ad-hoc communication, is performed between the portable communication device and another device over the first network using the first network address communication. It also includes code that, when executed, determines whether conditions associated with the operation of the portable communication device exceed minimum requirements. This code may be activated in response to communication, eg, ad-hoc communication, via the first network. It also includes code that, when executed, collects the information needed to resume data transmission over the second network using the second network address. For example, the software may also include code that, when executed, collects information needed for a network connection for remote access to another device. In addition, code may be provided to initiate and maintain communication with a host computer via a synchronization interface, such as a docking interface or cradle. The software also includes code that, when executed, allows communication over the first network if the condition is met and delays this communication until the portable device communicates with the host computer through the synchronization interface if the condition is not met. If the portable communication device has a battery and is supplied with battery power, this condition may be the state of charge of the battery before the communication is executed over the first network or the battery charge state is estimated if the communication is performed over the first network. Can be. Alternatively or additionally, this condition may be a signal quality received from another device. The software may also include code that, when executed, initiates a network connection for remote access to another device when the portable device communicates with a host computer via a synchronization interface. This collected information may include at least the network address of the host computer associated with the other device.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the computer program product may reside in a computer storage device, for example the memory 30 part described above. However, although the invention has been described and continued, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the invention may be distributed in various forms of program products and that the invention is equally applicable regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually implement this distribution. It is important to recognize that. Examples of computer readable signal bearing media on which a computer program product can be stored include floppy disks and recordable tangible media such as CD or DVD ROMs and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.

The above description describes various methods and materials of the present invention. The methods and materials of the present invention can be modified as well as replace manufacturing methods and equipment. Such modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the description or practice of the invention described herein. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but includes all modifications and substitutions that fall within the true scope and principles of the invention as embodied in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

As the portable communication device 2, Means (24) for transferring data using said first network address between said portable communication device (2) and another device (4) via a first network (12); Means for determining whether a condition relating to the operation of said portable communication device (2) exceeds a minimum requirement; Means for collecting information necessary for resuming data transmission via the second network (14) using a second network address different from the first network address; And, Means for allowing data transmission over the first network 12 if the condition is met and for delaying the data transmission over the first network 12 if the condition is not met. . The method of claim 1, And means for resuming data transmission via said second network (14). The method of claim 1, And means for instructing a host computer (16) to resume data transmission over said second network (14). The method of claim 3, wherein And a synchronization interface (6) coupled to one or both of the portable communication device (2, 4) and the host computer (6). The method of claim 4, wherein The means for instructing the host computer (16) comprises the synchronization interface (6). The method of claim 1, The portable communication device (2) has a battery (34), is supplied with battery power, and the condition is a state of charge of the battery (34) before communication via the first network is executed. The method of claim 1, The portable communication device 2 is provided with a battery 34, is supplied with battery power, and the condition is a state of charge of the battery 34 estimated on the assumption that the communication over the first network is completed, Portable communication device. The method of claim 1, The condition is a signal quality received from another device. The method of claim 1, The information comprises the second network address, wherein the second network address is a network address of a host computer (18) associated with the other device (4). The method of claim 1, The first network (12) is an ad-hoc network and the second network (14) is an infrastructure network. A communication system having portable communication devices (2, 4), each portable communication device being connected between one portable communication device (2, 4) and another portable device (4, 2) via a first network (12). In the communication system, having means 24 for transmitting data using a first network address, Means for determining whether a condition relating to the operation of said portable communication device (2) exceeds a minimum requirement; Means for collecting information necessary for resuming data transmission via the second network (14) using a second network address different from the first network address; And, Means for allowing data transfer over the first network (12) if the condition is met and delaying the data transfer over the first network (12) if the condition is not met. The method of claim 11, Further comprising a host computer (16). The method of claim 12, The host computer (16) is provided with means for initiating a network connection with the other device (4) via the second network (14). As a method of operating the portable communication device 2, Determining whether data is transmitted via the first network 12 between the portable communication device 2 and another device 4 using a first network address; Determining whether a condition relating to the operation of the portable communication device 2 exceeds a minimum requirement; Collecting information necessary for resuming the data transmission over the second network (14) using a second network address different from the first network address; And, Allowing data transmission over the first network 12 if the condition is met and delaying the data transmission over the first network 12 if the condition is not met. How it works. As a computer program product, the portable device, when executed on the portable communication device 2, Determine whether data is transmitted via the first network 12 between the portable communication device 2 and another device 4 using a first network address; Determine whether a condition relating to the operation of said portable communication device 2 exceeds a minimum requirement; Gather information needed to resume the data transfer over the second network 14 using the second network address; Code to allow data transmission through the first network 12 if the condition is met and to delay transmission of the data through the first network 12 if the condition is not met. Including, a computer program product. A computer readable storage medium storing the computer program product of claim 15.

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